Are confederate tattoos against Army regulations?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 10:39:29 -0400

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2018 10:59 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 10:59:57 -0400

I found this in an article from 2016 when the Navy relaxed its tattoo standards:
"Though you can’t write down everything that is or isn’t appropriate — you always know when you see or hear things that are inappropriate," he said. "If you have to wonder if the content is appropriate or not, chances are it’s not appropriate, so why take that risk?
"I'd simply say, 'If in doubt — don't.'"

Regulations state that it has to be deemed overtly racist, sexist, extremist or derogatory. The confederate flag is one of those gray areas.

It depends on your commander really and perception. You probably could get away with it just depends on what it looks like and says. IMO I don't understand why anyone would do it but to each his own.

Response by CW2 C.J. Scheurenbrand made Jul 13 at 2018 11:14 AM

CW2 C.J. Scheurenbrand — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 11:14:26 -0400

Look at it this way. Everything in the Army is perception. Although you might not find is offensive, another might. That being said offensive ink is not in regs. I would advise against it. If you need further guidance and are that hard up for it, speak with your command.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 13 at 2018 11:52 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 11:52:15 -0400

I've sent in stuff on laser tattoo removal, I didn't know if you'd all seen it...that being said, such a means at least gives on an option of being able to have all tattoos potentially removed, even if it might he deemed an elective procedure, and be painful, or cost out of pocket...just an observation I thought might he at least potentially useful, if nothing else...I mean, at least it gives one a chance to obviate the whole problem by having a way to get rid of them altogether, hopefully, you know? I mean, regardless of content, of course, just a thought, as I'd said, hope was of at least some use and/or interest....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 13 at 2018 11:52 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 11:52:42 -0400

Sorry, gives one an option, typo....

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2018 12:27 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 12:27:45 -0400

If you haven't gotten it yet, don't. The confederate flag is used by overtly racist organizations so it would be very easy for someone to consider it offensive. And just like with sexual harassment, it doesn't matter what your intent is, it only matters how others perceive it.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2018 12:55 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 12:55:51 -0400

Follow this link (AR 670-1) , look for section 3-3:
https://www.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/337951.pdf

As a proud Southerner...here's my take; if you've already got it, I'd consider the possible ramifications of someone mis-applying some of the content in 3-3, and think about removal, or accept that you may be defending that decision for a lifetime. If you don't have it...why take the chance?

Assuming the latter is true...think of it like this; the U.S. Army won...some noted members of the C.S.A. may even put back on the Blue in the aftermath (historians argue to what extent). The Army that came out of that conflict and went on to fight at the Little Big Horn, San Juan Hill, the Argonne, Normandy...all the way up to the present, was forged in that fire. Obviously I can't speak for them, but I imagine some of those boys thought of the "new" flag as one that stood for North and South, East and West...and represented the courage, strength and sacrifices made by all Americans, whether they wore Blue or Grey; khaki or green. What do you think they might say?

For my own part, I'll take it on further; the Red, White and Blue and the stars representing the States stands for so much more...a history that goes back as far as the Magna Carta and the Five Civilized Tribes; one that stands for the English at Jamestown, Plymouth and Roanoke...the Creek, the Cherokee, the Sioux, Cheyenne, Navajo, Apache, the Scots, the Irish, Spanish, Dutch, the Italians, and yes...even brave men in Red who learned frontier warfare two decades before the Revolution, and those in Grey for whom many of our bases and even weapons are (appropriately) named.

I admire the courage and tenacity exhibited by the C.S.A., and regard at least one of their generals as among the finest officers ever produced on this continent...but also regard the Battle Flag of the Army of Northern Virginia as lost colors belonging to history.

337951.pdf

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Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Jul 13 at 2018 1:46 PM

SGT Tony Clifford — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 13:46:12 -0400

If you don't already have it, don't get it. As stated by SFC Private RallyPoint Member it's a real grey area. Regardless of your intentions it might be perceived as racist. I know that a lot of southerners see it as heritage and not racist, but others might not. Remember that the battle flag of the army of northern Virginia and the Confederate flag are both symbols of a country born out of treason towards the United States. Being a US soldier with that symbol on himself might send signals that you don't respect the country you serve.

Response by SGT David T. made Jul 13 at 2018 1:56 PM

SGT David T. — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 13:56:16 -0400

You should totally go for it! The bigger the better. Of course I am out of the Army so my advice probably shouldn't be followed in this instance.

If you are bent on getting something like that the 1st national flag might be less noticeable. The average person generally isn't that educated to know what it is. They only recognize the battle flag lol. Of course you have the freedom to choose and accept the consequences for your actions. As my old NCO put it "Do what your rank can handle".

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2018 2:05 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 14:05:13 -0400

I think the advice in the previous comments ring true. It's better to err on the side of caution when it comes to this. I would advise anyone not to take that chance. Remember that perception, many times, is reality for most. We're all somewhat free to make choices. We're not free from the consequences of said choices, however. If you have to ask, it's probably better to avoid it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2018 10:43 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Jul 2018 22:43:20 -0400

It might not be offensive to some people but realistically with the way EO works all it takes is one person that is offended by it and all of a sudden you’re being ordered (lawfully) by your commander to cover it when it might be visible. If you don’t have one, don’t get one.

Response by SSG Christopher Cannon made Jul 15 at 2018 1:43 AM

SSG Christopher Cannon — Sun, 15 Jul 2018 01:43:23 -0400

No matter your beliefs always eror on the side of caution. On team on fight

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2018 2:40 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Jul 2018 02:40:33 -0400

If you are convinced you need a rebel flag tattoo, I would suggest the white flag of surrender.

Response by Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin made Oct 3 at 2018 8:23 AM

Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 08:23:03 -0400

Not to sound like a prude, but I don't see the point in tattoos period. I once challenged an Airman who worked for me when I was an Lt. I told him pick the tattoo you want, show it to me, and then wait 6 months before doing it. If he can honestly tell me he would get the exact same tattoo after 6 months (no deviations), I promised I would pay for it. He went ahead and got it the following weekend, not taking me up on the challenge. Two years later he confessed to me that he wish he made a different choice in tattoos.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2022 11:31 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 23:31:27 -0500

Yes, by the current definitions